'I'm no racist' says Damilola girl

A key witness in the Damilola Taylor murder trial denied that she is a racist from the witness box at the Old Bailey this afternoon.

The 14-year-old girl, who says she saw the murder of the 10-year-old boy in Peckham, was asked about statements she made to the police which the jury had just seen on nine-hours of video film.

In one video she said that one of the defendants had reacted to the death of Damilola by saying that there was "one less African."

Under cross-examination by Courtenay Griffiths, QC, representing defendant A, - one of four youths who deny the murder - she was accused of telling "a terrible lie".

Mr Griffiths said: "That was a lie." The girl replied: "It must have been. But I got it from someone."

Griffiths: "That is a terrible lie about somebody." Girl: "I didn't say it, I said it in a statement but it didn't come from my mouth." Griffiths: "Do you know what racism is? That was a racist statement."

Girl: "I'm not racist." Griffiths: "Why repeat that piece of racism to the police?"

Girl: "I think I told Caroline (the woman police officer taking her statement) who had said it."

Griffiths: "Why did you never retract that little piece of information? You would agree with me that is a terrible lie to say about somebody."

Girl: "I didn't say it personally." In another video, she was heard singing "I'm in the money" - apparently in reference to the £50,000 reward for information on the boy's killers.

The girl is warned that her evidence is vitally important for Damilola's family regardless of the cash. She replies: "To get some money. No, only joking. A joke, a personal joke. Don't laugh at me. You can have 50p. Should do you for the rest of your life."

Later, as Pc Caroline Crooks leaves the room, she tells the woman acting as her guardian during the interviews: "Give you £100 by the time you get out of here."

Then she gives a short burst of singing "I'm in the money." Pc Crooks re-enters the room almost immediately and snaps: "Shall we stop now."

The court has heard that Damilola was surrounded by four bullies on his way home from school. He was stabbed in the thigh with a broken bottle and bled to death.

Four youths, two 16-year-old brothers known as A and B, 17-year-old boy C and boy D, aged 14, all from south London, deny murder and further charges of manslaughter and assault with intent to rob. The case continues.